School Admissions Code, 2021

FAO: All Schools

The new School Admissions Code is due to come into force on 1 September 2021, subject to parliamentary approval. A summary of the Code, the document itself and associated guidance documents can be found in the School Admission Service Page.

The key changes are:

  • New provisions on in-year admissions. This includes that parents must be notified of the outcome of their in-year application in writing within 15 school days; an aim to do so in 10 school days.
  • Changes to the section on Fair Access Protocols including changes (and restriction) to categories, clarification on link with in-year admissions, and a requirement that children referred to the Fair Access Protocol to identify a school within 20 school days (extended non-statutory supporting guidance expected in July)
  • Extension of the priority for previously looked after children to children who appear to the admission authority to have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted (extended non-statutory guidance expected in July).

Jo Fear

Head of Admissions and Attendance